Most 18-month-olds have between 10 and 16 teeth, though some fall outside that range and are perfectly healthy. By this age, the eight incisors (four on top, four on the bottom) are almost always in, and the first molars are either through or actively pushing their way in. Canines may also be starting to appear.
Which Teeth Are In by 18 Months
Baby teeth follow a fairly predictable sequence, even if the exact timing varies from child to child. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, primary teeth emerge in this general order:
- Central incisors (front teeth): Bottom pair by 5 to 8 months, top pair by 6 to 10 months
- Lateral incisors (next to the front teeth): Top pair by 8 to 12 months, bottom pair by 7 to 10 months
- First molars: Both upper and lower pairs between 11 and 18 months
- Canines (the pointed teeth): Both upper and lower pairs between 16 and 20 months
- Second molars: Both upper and lower pairs between 20 and 30 months
At 18 months, a child who’s right on schedule will have all eight incisors and all four first molars, totaling 12 teeth. Many kids also have one or more canines breaking through, bringing the count closer to 16. The full set of 20 baby teeth usually isn’t complete until around age two and a half to three.
Why the Number Varies So Much
The AAPD notes that “many otherwise normal infants do not conform strictly to the stated schedule.” Some 18-month-olds have as few as 8 teeth because their molars are late. Others already have 16 because their canines came in early. Both scenarios are normal.
Genetics play a large role in timing. If you or your partner were late teethers, your child likely will be too. Premature birth can also shift the schedule, since tooth development tracks more closely with gestational age than calendar age. The key benchmark to watch is the very first tooth: if your child hasn’t gotten any teeth by 9 months, it’s worth mentioning to your pediatrician.
What Teething Feels Like at This Age
The first molars, which typically arrive between 13 and 19 months, are often the most uncomfortable teeth to cut. They’re broader than incisors, so they put more pressure on the gums as they push through. You may notice swollen, red gums at the back of your toddler’s mouth, along with increased drooling, fussiness, interrupted sleep, and a temporary dip in appetite. Many toddlers start biting or chewing on anything they can get their hands on.
A slight increase in body temperature can happen during teething, but a true fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C) is not caused by teething. If your child has a high fever alongside what looks like teething discomfort, something else is going on.
Gaps Between Baby Teeth Are a Good Sign
If you notice spaces between your toddler’s teeth, that’s generally healthy. Baby teeth are much smaller than the permanent teeth that will eventually replace them, and gaps indicate the jaw is growing properly to make room. These spaces tend to become more noticeable between ages 3 and 6 as the jaw widens. A narrow jaw with little spacing or crowding is more worth watching over time than a wide jaw with visible gaps.
Caring for Your Toddler’s Teeth
Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, and by 18 months you should be brushing twice a day. Use a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste until age 3. A small, soft-bristled baby toothbrush works best. Brush in small circles, covering all surfaces of each tooth.
One detail that surprises many parents: don’t rinse with water after brushing. Rinsing washes away the fluoride before it has a chance to protect the enamel. Just encourage your toddler to spit out the excess. Sitting your child on your lap with their head against your chest gives you a good angle to reach every tooth, especially those new molars in the back.
Multiple national health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association, recommend a first dental visit by age one. If your child is 18 months old and hasn’t been yet, it’s a good time to schedule that first appointment. Early visits are mostly about checking development and getting your child comfortable with the process.